Overview
During a cruise flight, a single-engine helicopter was substantially damaged when it collided with a static power line wire and then impacted the terrain. The power line wire was approximately 52 feet above the ground. The helicopter had been observed overflying a parade route prior to the accident.
Witness Accounts
Multiple witnesses reported that the helicopter was flying westbound over the middle of a highway. The helicopter was observed in straight and level flight at a low altitude. One witness specifically noted that the helicopter was flying at treetop level for about 1,000 feet, half a mile before the accident. The helicopter's landing skid caught the top neutral wire of the power line, causing the helicopter to rotate upside down. The helicopter then impacted the center of the road.
Post-Accident Inspection
Following the accident, an inspection of the helicopter was conducted. The inspection found no pre-impact anomalies in the airframe or engine systems. The damage to the helicopter was substantial.